Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Nedra's Neighbor - 50 Shades of Gray

About a week after our last reveal, we left for a trip to Kenya and South Africa. We spent 6 days on safari . Our guides were amazing - so very knowledgeable about the habits of all the animals. We saw many animals thanks to their expertise and learned much about their interactions with each other. They could tell by their stature and behavior if they were feeling threatened, perhaps by an approaching lion or leopard. It was especially interesting to learn that certain animals would often be found in the same areas because of a protective relationship that they had. Warthogs could be found near giraffes as they provide protection with forceful kicks from their long legs. Warthogs and hyenas often lived in the same areas - a pack of hyenas are able to take down a predator and provide protection for both. We saw oxpeckers, usually more than one, on cape buffaloes and rhinos. Oxpeckers eat the ticks that cover the hides of these animals. Zebras grazed with antelope. If the antelope spotted a threatening animal they would all stand and look in the same direction and make a whistle-like sound to alert the others of danger. It was fascinating how they all lived and worked together for mutual benefit. During one of our excursions, our safari guide, George, was explaining one of these relationships. He said, "the oxpeckers and buffalo could be neighbors, they need each other". A lightbulb when on and I knew what I would do for the next challenge.

I used a photo taken by my husband on safari for inspiration. I printed a black and white copy and was determined to try thread painting again. I reviewed Rita's posting from her Spring piece which she thread painted. I bought the instructor's book and soluble stabilizer in two weights. I traced an outline of the photo on the stabilizer, then layered both stabilizers and put tuille in the middle. I used an embroidery hoop and set to work. Amazing how well it comes out when you follow the guidelines!!! I really enjoyed bringing the buffalo and oxpeckers to life with the stitching. Though I quickly learned that an almost completely gray animal is very hard to do . Despite using many shades of gray(50???) it was difficult to achieve the right depth and dimension, especially in the neck and head. I really liked working on the horns and ears and feel they came out the best. And to top it off the oxpeckers were basically the same color and equally difficult to depict!! When the stitching was completed, I dissolved the stabilizer and trimmed the tuille and stitched it down to the background which I added greenery to and an overlay of tuille for contrast and effect. I included George's quote which was printed on a piece of background fabric. I machine quilted and did a thin traditional binding for completion. Below is John's photo.

This is wonderful and I love the way the quote adds to the flow of the composition. It is funny that I never thought of this - where I live in Texas, cattle egret on top of cows is a common sight. I love your thread painting really makes me want to try the technique too

Nedra, you did a fabulous job on your quilt.... WOW ! I loved your narrative... I felt like I was experiencing your safari. And your description of the techniques was wonderful. I've never been to Kenya or South Africa, but your description makes me want to hop on a plane and make the journey. Wonderful job !

On this borrowed computer, I didn't finish! I was going to add that this is another one of the quilts--so many, really--I'd love to see in person! Perhaps those of us going to Nantucket should bring some of our favorites to share?????

Oh Nedra, I absolutely ADORE this piece and this little "fellow"! What a very clever interpretation of the word, "neighbor" and what a beautiful job of thread painting. Hope you will bring this one to Nantucket!

LOVE this quilt. The photo makes him look so mean and scary but your quilt makes him look like a friendly old neighbor. The colors are perfect and the thread painting adds the most wonderful texture. I must see this in person!

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The Material Mavens

We are a group of art quilters who come from various parts of the United States, from the East coast and then south to Arkansas and Texas. We were inspired by the original Twelve by Twelve international art quilting group.

Beginning in September, 2011, we started posting our 12"x 12" art quilts, which were based on themes chosen in turn by our members. For Round One, we posted quilts every two months, always on the 15th of the designated months.

Round Two of The Material Mavens began in October, 2014. Some changes were made: quilts were posted every three months, and the quilts could be be either 12"x 12" or rectangular ones measuring 11" x 14", either horizontal or vertical in orientation.

Round Three of The Material Mavens will begin in July, 2018. Again, changes have been made. Now those members who wish to stay affiliated with the group are free to post quilts every time or every now and then. Two, our blog administrator collected suggested themes from the members who wanted to remain affiliated. These themes were then pulled at random from a "hat," and they were then assigned in order for the posting dates. Since we had 13 members who wanted to remain, we will be posting quilts every 3 months until 2021! This date is significant and appropriate, because 2021 will be the 10th year that our group has been in existence.